Gavin Baldwin at Yarrawonga Mulwala Men’s Shed where it’s as much about the comraderie as it is about the workshop. (Photos: Ben Black)
Photo by
Ben Black
The Yarrawonga Mulwala Men’s Shed has its sights set on a bigger future, with a recent $9,000 grant set to help meet the organisation’s growing needs.
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The funding is part of the Victorian Government’s $1 million annual investment in Men’s Sheds across the state.
Men’s Sheds have become a staple in communities across Australia, providing an important space for men to socialise, connect and stay involved in the community.
Men Shed members (L-R): Ray French, William Blackmore, Greg Carter, Tom Hutchison (front), Joe Sciberras and Omar Persaud.
Photo by
Ben Black
Yarrawonga Mulwala Men’s Shed president Greg Carter, said the need to improve accessibility had become increasingly important as the organisation’s membership continued to age.
“We have a few in wheelchairs and walking frames, but being able to accommodate them is important,” Mr Carter said.
“We have a lot of people in their 70s and 80s, and even a few in their 90s.”
The social connection and interaction among members is an important part of its role.
Former Yarrawonga Chronicle photographer Tom Hutchison, working hard in the shed.
Photo by
Ben Black
The organisation has been operating at the showgrounds for more than 10 years, with the site becoming a familiar meeting place for members over that time.
Now, with membership continuing to grow, the organisation is looking towards improving its facilities and creating a more accessible space for its ageing membership.
“We've increased our membership; we're over 50 members now,” Mr Carter said.
“Unfortunately, with the size of the buildings, we've had the cap at 55, which is a bit of a shame because we'd like to have a few more people.
“(The $9,000 grant) makes a huge difference to the shed.
“When it rains, it gets very slippery for the guys and in the past we've had a couple that nearly slipped over.”
The funding will help the Men’s Shed address some of those challenges.
For Mr Carter, however, the importance of the Men’s Shed extends well beyond the facilities and provides and an important reason for members to get out of the house.
Carlo Hrizaj puts in the hard yards on his table.
Photo by
Ben Black
“It gets the older guys out, gets them out of the house for three hours,” he said.
“We've also started opening on a Tuesday, not the workshop, but the area where they can come and have a game of cards, just have a general chat.”
Mr Carter also acknowledged the contribution of businesses and organisations that help keep the Men’s Shed running.
“We wouldn't be without the great support from Woolworths, Central Murray Bank, Bunnings and Moira Council,” he said.
The men in the shed are always ready to get hands-on and make the most of their trade skills.
Photo by
Ben Black
The Men’s Shed holds a monthly barbecue as one of its key fundraising activities, helping raise funds to support the organisation and its members.
The Shed is open
Yarrawonga Mulwala Men’s Shed is open four days a week.
The workshop is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30am-12pm
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